Lake Barrington Couple Bring Their Dream Home

What do you do if you live in a sprawling suburb and your choices for nearby family restaurants are few? Why, if you`re anything like Art and Judy Carlson, you`d open up your own place.

Eighteen years ago when the Lake Barrington couple`s three children were

``just babies,`` Judy decided then was a good time to fulfill a dream, creating an eatery that would casually welcome families and amuse the senses as well. And those who have visited the Kelsey Road House in Lake Barrington would agree that the Carlsons have accomplished what they began in 1973.

The decor is whimsical and spontaneous, to say the least.

``We`ve always had a love of old automobile stuff,`` says Judy, pointing out an antique Texaco gas-pump-turned-aquarium. Also hard to miss are the odd articles, such as old hacksaws and rare, empty wine bottles cemented into the brick walls that make up the interior of what is actually the lower level of the Carlsons` home.

The menu is quite extensive and the meals are prepared using Judy`s own recipes.

Pizza is a favorite of the house with three types offered: deep dish (the 40 minutes preparation time is worth the wait), double-crust and a superb thin-crust.

Served on a sizzling platter for $17.95 is the 18-oz. New York strip steak. A pleasant variety of seafood, either charbroiled or deep fried, is available daily with prices averaging $9.50. All dinners are served with a salad and Kelsey fries (home-style sliced potatoes).

The menu also lists over 30 sandwiches, including the ``Huge Sandwich for Two,`` a 1/2-pound round of sourdough bread containing loads of cold cuts and cheeses ($16.45), delicious when washed down with dark beer.

Daily specials vary along with an all-you-can-eat item each day, such as spaghetti or chicken, for $6.95. The charming children`s menu will entice even the most finicky tot.

During the summer months the ``Beergarten`` is quite popular. Said Judy,

``We think we have a leg up on the mosquitoes.``

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Kelsey Road House is at 352 Kelsey Road (just North of U.S. Highway 14)

in Lake Barrington. Hours are 11:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week. Call 708-381-8300.